Is the Bharatiya Janata Party preparing to take on Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar by promoting actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, known popularly as 'Shotgun', as its leader in the state.

Though there is no official word on whether Sinha has been chosen for the role, the warning shots have been fired.

On Monday, a group of BJP workers vowed to take on the "corrupt and inefficient" Rashtriya Janata Dal government under Sinha's leadership.

"He is as big a hero off screen just as he is on it. Only his charisma can match that of Lalu. No other Bihari leader has the quality to spearhead a campaign which can unseat the RJD from power,'' said former Union minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussein at a function.

"Sinha is acceptable to people of all castes and communities and he has a strong following among youth. He is our best bet to take on the Lalu-Rabri duo in Bihar,'' Hussein said.

Hussein's assertion is being widely seen in the state's political circles as part of a rethinking going on in the BJP on the leadership issue.

When contacted, Sinha said he is prepared to shoulder any responsibility given to him by the party. "I am ready to spend more time in Bihar and intensify agitation against corrupt Rabri Devi government," he added.